By John Q. Hosedrinker 
During a recent interview, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that a bilateral security guarantee agreement with the United States is nearing completion. He stated that the document is “almost ready,” and that while a 20-point plan involving multiple parties is not yet finalized, bilateral agreements with the U.S. are progressing. Zelenskyy indicated discussions on the size of Ukraine’s army are satisfactory and that Ukraine is not currently receiving an official response from Russia regarding the peace plan. He also emphasized the importance of European involvement and security considerations for any future elections or referendums, highlighting that these are the most important factors.
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“Document Is Already on the Table”: Zelenskyy Says US–Ukraine Security Pact Close to Completion sounds like a headline full of cautious optimism, and frankly, that’s probably the most accurate way to describe the situation. It’s hard to ignore the gravity of the situation in Ukraine, so any news suggesting progress, even if it’s just finalizing a security pact with the US, feels significant.
The core of the matter seems to be a bilateral agreement between the United States and Ukraine. This is a crucial distinction. It’s not about some grand peace plan involving Russia, but rather a direct pledge of security from one nation to another. The details are, of course, what truly matter, but the very existence of such a document signals a commitment, at least on the surface. We’re not talking about starting a nuclear war, and no one is going to sacrifice their children for Ukraine, but Americans are definitely aware of the threat Russia poses.
Of course, the cynicism is understandable. With the current state of global politics, it’s hard to trust any promises made, especially when it comes to international agreements. We all know the history of broken promises, and the potential for any agreement to be undermined by shifting political winds. As some have pointed out, there’s always the question of who will uphold these agreements, particularly considering the unpredictability of leadership transitions. But the sad fact remains that in a world where other options are limited, taking what you can get is often the only viable strategy.
The skepticism regarding Russia’s acceptance is also something we need to keep in mind. Zelenskyy himself seems to acknowledge this. He’s probably not expecting Putin to simply agree. The whole situation seems like a strategic play. It is a very intelligent one.
Another layer of complication is the potential for the upcoming US election to impact the situation. There’s a widespread recognition that the outcome of this election could significantly alter the US’s approach to the conflict. Considering the political climate, the concern about the US’s ability to honor the agreement is understandable, particularly if the leadership changes.
The value of the resources in the Donbas region also adds another layer of complexity. The region’s vast natural resources are a strategic hub, and the US should extract more out of it. The potential economic importance of the Donbas region could influence the decisions made by any nation involved.
Given all of this, any agreement is definitely fraught with challenges, and the lack of trust is a significant issue. It’s a complicated situation with no easy answers. The best Zelenskyy can do is attempt to be strategic. By showing a willingness to engage, he’s presenting a constructive image to the US, while also acknowledging the potential limitations of the agreement.